Endothelial function can be preserved during cryo-storage of human saphenous vein

Endothelial functional integrity was quantified in human saphenous veinby measurement of stimulated (vortex-mixing) rates of prostacyclinproduction. Prostacyclin production was not inhibited by dimethylsulphoxide(DMSO), glycerol or sucrose at concentrations normally used forcryopreservation. Rapid freezing followed by storage for 3-4 weeks andthawing of veins pretreated with 15% (v/v) dimethylsulphoxide significantlyimpaired prostacyclin production. In contrast, slow freezing and thawing inthe presence, but not the absence, of DMSO led to complete retention ofprostacyclin production. We conclude that endothelial function can bepreserved during cryostorage.